Having the right type of health insurance for Israel can help you be prepared for any type of event. Imagine being on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Israel with your family, exploring Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa. You have an exciting second half of the trip planned, involving activities like hiking, bicycling, and rafting. However, a family member falls ill and requires medical attention. Suddenly, you must navigate the challenges of covering the cost of medical care in a foreign country, compensating for missed activities, and potentially adjusting your travel plans. That’s where travel health insurance in Israel comes in.
The idea behind travel medical insurance in Israel is to have a safety net that you hopefully won’t need to use. It serves as a background security measure, ensuring your trip runs smoothly, whether you’re on Jewish travel or exploring any destination.
Unforeseen circumstances can occur at any time, making it essential to have a backup plan of travel health insurance or travel protection insurance in case your flight gets canceled, you experience baggage loss, or you encounter injuries or illnesses during your trip.
There are normally plans for individuals as well as travel insurance for groups. Notably, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, travel insurance has become a requirement for visitors to Israel.
Do I need medical insurance to travel to Israel?
Travel medical insurance is mandatory for entering Israel. Travelers need to provide proof of an insurance policy. This is especially true after the Covid pandemic.
How much travel insurance is needed for Israel?
After Covid-19, it is essential that there is a clause in travel insurance that covers anything from the virus. Rates and what is needed often depend on variables like your own health and the current situation in the country. It is best to get a plan that will cover any unforeseen circumstances.
Requirements for good travel insurance to Israel
When planning an Israel tour, the first step when considering if you need travel insurance is to check if your own insurance policy will cover you internationally. If it does not, then you need to get travel insurance for your trip to Israel.
After the Covid-19 pandemic, one of the most important factors you need to consider when buying medical insurance for Israel is whether or not Covid-related events are covered.
But it’s also important to consider your specific needs and preferences. One popular choice is an International Travel Medical Plan, which not only covers emergency medical situations but also includes travel benefits like lost luggage, terrorism coverage, natural disaster protection, and trip interruption.
To choose the right international travel health insurance plan, it’s advisable to review and compare different options. This will give you an understanding of what each company offers and the pricing variations.
Key factors to consider include:
- The freedom to choose your preferred hospital or doctor
- Medical limits ranging from $50,000 to $2,000,000 (higher for longer trips)
- Access to a 24/7 emergency assistance medical hotline
- Deductible options and if the coverage is renewable
- Travel delay and baggage delay benefits
- Coverage for emergency dental care
- Repatriation and emergency evacuation services.
Once you have determined your desired coverage and estimated cost, you can discuss your specific situation with a travel agent who can recommend the most suitable coverage and insurance company.
Applying for travel medical insurance is a relatively quick and easy process, taking around 10-15 minutes, and you will normally receive confirmation immediately after submitting payment.
The Israeli medical system
When traveling to Israel, you might want to know more about the care you’ll receive in the healthcare system. Israeli healthcare is excellent and if you’re injured or sick, will have the resources you need to get you back on track.
Without insurance, healthcare in Israel can be expensive. With it, however, you’ll rest assured knowing you’re covered and you won’t break the bank if you break a leg on your trip.
The Israeli healthcare system is a universal statutory health insurance system, overseen by the Ministry of Health.
The ministry is responsible for the overall health of the population and the functioning of the healthcare system, including the provision of care. They own and operate a significant portion of the nation’s hospitals and health centers.
Primary care is predominantly provided by salaried physicians employed by the health plans, as well as independently contracted physicians.
These primary care doctors act as gatekeepers for accessing secondary care. Specialized ambulatory care is mainly delivered in community settings, although hospitals remain the primary source of emergency care, with some involvement from community-based providers.
Overall, the Israeli healthcare system has anything someone in an emergency might need. If you’re planning on going on an Israel trip, you can feel safe knowing that the healthcare is great and with insurance, it is covered.
Need more information on travel insurance in Israel? Contact our Jewish travel agency and check out our insurance page.